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508416 - FY24 RFP 58824011 for Autopsy Toxicology Laboratory Services
Funding Opportunity Details
State Medical Examiner Office
Final Application Deadline: May 17, 2023 4:00 PM
Status Closed
Posted Date May 9, 2023 4:51 PM
Award Amount RangeNo Limit - $325,000.00
Project Dates 07/01/2023 - 06/30/2026
Award Announcement Date 06/07/2023
Categorical Area
Recurring Opportunity No
Program Officer Michael Drottz
Phone (515) 513-6598 x
Description
It is the responsibility of the Applicant to review all Attachments listed below for additional details regarding this Funding Opportunity. The issuance of this Funding Opportunity in no way constitutes a commitment by IDPH to award a contract.
Excerpts from the RFP:
Purpose
The purpose of this Request for Proposal (RFP) # 58824011 is to solicit applications that will enable the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (referred to as Agency) to select the most qualified applicant to provide autopsy toxicology laboratory testing for cases being investigated by the Iowa Office of the State Medical Examiner (IOSME).
Schedule of Important Dates: (All times and dates listed are local Iowa time)
EVENT
DATE
RFP Issued
April 20, 2023
Applicant’s Conference
N/A
Written Questions and Responses
Round 1 Questions Due:
Responses Posted By:
April 25, 2023
April 27, 2023
Final Questions Due:
Responses Posted By:
May 9, 2023
May 11, 2023
Applications Due
May 17, 2023 by 4:00 PM Local Iowa Time
Post Notice of Intent to Award
June 7, 2023
| Description | File Name | Type | Size | Upload Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A. RFP 58824011 Autopsy Toxicology Laboratory Services.docx | A. RFP 58824011 Autopsy Toxicology Laboratory Services.docx.pdf | 342 KB | 04/18/2023 02:20 PM | |
| B. NEW SYSTEM LOGIN PROCESS FOR ALL USERS | B. NEW SYSTEM LOGIN PROCESS FOR ALL USERS.pdf | 178 KB | 04/13/2023 07:45 AM | |
| C. HHS Application Instructions_Guidance New IG | C. HHS Application Instructions_Guidance New IG 1.pdf | 4 MB | 04/13/2023 07:44 AM | |
| D. RFP 58824011 Autopsy Toxicology Laboratory Services Draft Contract | D. RFP 58824011 Autopsy Toxicology Laboratory Services Draft Contract.pdf | 248 KB | 04/18/2023 02:20 PM | |
| E. RFP 58824011 Autopsy Toxicology Laboratory Services Draft Scoring Tool.docx | E. RFP 58824011 Autopsy Toxicology Laboratory Services Draft Scoring Tool.docx.pdf | 97 KB | 04/18/2023 02:21 PM | |
| F. RFP 58824011 Autopsy Toxicology Laboratory Services Amendment 1 | F. RFP 58824011 Autopsy Toxicology Laboratory Services Amendment 1.pdf | 153 KB | 05/11/2023 11:05 AM | |
| G. Form22-RFP | G. Form22-RFP.pdf | 383 KB | 05/17/2023 01:29 PM |
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| IDPH General Conditions | https://hhs.iowa.gov/contract-terms |
| Submitted Date | Question | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| Apr 21, 2023 1:32 PM | As was preferred in the 2017 RFP responses, please confirm that the final certificate of licensure or accreditation will be adequate to fulfill the requirements on "current inspections for oversight agencies or other accreditations" - with detailed reports available upon request. (The comprehensive inspection packages on our laboratory from multiple inspecting agencies would consist of thousands of documents.) | This is a new funding opportunity. Questions need to pertain to the current funding opportunity. For the current opportunity, final accreditation certificates will be accepted. |
| Apr 21, 2023 1:39 PM | As it was preferred in the 2017 RFP responses, please confirm that the final certificate of licensure or accreditation will be adequate to fulfill the requirements on "current inspections for oversight agencies or other accreditations" - with detailed reports available upon request. (The comprehensive inspection packages on our laboratory from multiple inspecting agencies would consist of thousands of documents.) | This is a new funding opportunity. Questions need to pertain to the current funding opportunity. For the current opportunity, final accreditation certificates will be accepted. |
| Apr 24, 2023 2:57 PM | May we have a copy of the current contract for toxicology testing? If not, how would we obtain this? | If you want to receive a copy of the current contract for toxicology, please submit a Freedom of Information Request (FOIA) to michael.drottz@idph.iowa.gov. |
| Apr 24, 2023 2:57 PM | May we have a redacted copy of a current invoice? If not, how would we obtain this? | Yes, please submit a Freedom of Information Request (FOIA) to michael.drottz@idph.iowa.gov |
| Apr 24, 2023 2:57 PM | May we have a redacted copy of a submitted requisition form? If not, how would we obtain this? | Yes, please submit a Freedom of Information Request (FOIA) to michael.drottz@idph.iowa.gov |
| Apr 24, 2023 2:58 PM | May we have a redacted copy of a final report? If not, how would we obtain this? | Yes, please submit a Freedom of Information Request (FOIA) to michael.drottz@idph.iowa.gov |
| Apr 24, 2023 2:58 PM | How many cases and tests were invoiced in the last calendar year? | An average of 1420 per year for the last 3 years. This can vary from year to year based on case type and/or drug trends. |
| Apr 24, 2023 2:58 PM | What is the breakdown of the specific tests ordered (by acode and product name) and their quantity? | The following tests are ordered routinely, the quantity will vary from year to year based on case type and/or drug trends. Postmortem Toxicology - Basic, Blood - 8051B Postmortem Toxicology- Expanded, Blood - 8052B Postmortem Toxicology- Urine Screen Add-on (6-mam Quantification) - 8050U Alcohol Panel – Vitreous Fluids - 0170FL Vitreous electrolytes and glucose panel - 1919FL Postmortem Toxicology - Basic, Tissue - 8051TI ,br> Postmortem Toxicology- Expanded, Tissue - 8052TI Carbon Monoxide –Blood - 1002B Postmortem, Synthetic Cannabinoids (Add-On), Blood - 9566B Novel Psychoactive Substances (NPS) Screen 1, Blood - 8756B |
| Apr 24, 2023 2:58 PM | How many ancillary tests like carbon monoxide and electrolytes are ordered each year? | The quantity will vary from year to year based on case type and/or drug trends. |
| Apr 24, 2023 2:59 PM | What is the scope of tests for evaluation, i.e. what will the contract exhibit look like? Is there a specific pricing sheet? | Please see attachment D. RFP 58824011 Autopsy Toxicology Laboratory Services Draft Contract. Each eligible applicant will develop and provide their own pricing sheet. |
| Apr 24, 2023 2:59 PM | In the Toxicology work plan section it appears that there will be extra “credit” given for certificates held beyond the minimum requirements. Will that only include certifications relevant to the work requested under the RFP? | Yes |
| Apr 24, 2023 2:59 PM | How will the vendor’s scope of compounds within their offering be considered in the scoring system? | The scope of compounds including the total number and types of compounds will be considered in the numerical scoring, as outlined in the RFP in section 4.02 and in the attachment E. RFP 58824011 Autopsy Toxicology Laboratory Services Draft Scoring Tool |
| Apr 24, 2023 2:59 PM | How will vendors with more extensive specialty panels be considered in the scoring system? | The applicant that is best able to meet the requirements outlined in the RFP will be funded. |
| Apr 24, 2023 3:00 PM | Testing sensitivities and limit of detection are highly important when accessing cause and manner of death. How will vendors’ testing sensitivity be considered in the scoring system? | The applicant that is best able to meet the requirements outlined in the RFP will be funded. |
| Apr 24, 2023 3:00 PM | Different laboratories have different toxicology products, just like any two or more companies serving the same market. Most provide a standard set of offerings made up of different drug class and analyte combinations, valid for specific matrices, with or without bundling of specimens under a single order code. Some have the ability to provide custom panels. Is the State seeking one or more custom panels? If so, what do those look like? If the State desires proposals for a laboratory’s standard offerings, how would those be evaluated? How would the State account for critical differences, such as tests for a single matrix versus multiples? | The applicant that is best able to meet the requirements outlined in the RFP will be funded. The successful applicant is expected to be able to show all drugs included in panels with a cross comparison of drugs and pricing. |
| Apr 24, 2023 3:00 PM | Given the availability of quality forensic toxicology reference publications such as Baselt, et al, and the importance of information traceability for litigation purposes, what constitutes other pertinent information on the report? | Examples include reporting limits and reference ranges. |
| Apr 24, 2023 3:01 PM | Definitions: • Case - one or more specimens for the same decedent/testing subject • Specimen - a container of testable matrix • Order - a forensic toxicology product that can be applied at a specimen. The product could be as narrow as a single analyte or as broad as every analyte. An order code is used to specify the specific product desired. The order determines what is billed to the client. • Test – a scientific process to screen or confirm an analyte with or without quantitation • Panel - a specific order that includes testing for multiple drug classes, with or without screening • Screen - a broad test to detect potential analytes for confirmation • Confirmation - a very specific test to definitively confirm the presence of one or more analytes above a detection level, with or without quantitation • Qualitatively – a determination of the presence or absence of an analyte • Quantitation – the determination of a concentration of a confirmed analyte • Bundled - the practice of charging a single fee per case that includes corroborative testing across multiple specimens Based on the above definitions: • Will all cases request the same toxicology testing scope based on the case type? • What specimens do you submit in a typical case? • What specimens do you typically test? • How frequently do you test multiple specimens per case? • Some laboratories charge a fee for each specimen tested for a given order. Others charge a bundled price that covers testing of multiple specimens based on the entire case (for example, blood, urine, and vitreous). How is the County currently charged for testing on additional specimens for the same case? • How are you currently being charged if you submit a blood and urine/vitreous sample on the same case? • Are you being charged separately for each specimen or is the urine/vitreous free/included when blood is tested? • Is it the State’s preference to be charged individually per specimen or to have a single flat price per case, regardless of the number of specimens tested? • How often does the State require testing for other samples such as capsules, powders, and fluids? • Where in the proposal would it be most effective for evaluation purposes to indicate that additional testing may be available outside the standard test catalog? | All questions need to be submitted individually as outlined in the RFP Section 1.06C |
| Apr 24, 2023 3:01 PM | What has been the current vendor’s turnaround time? For all cases, for a specific panel, for your account? | The expectations for turnaround times are outlined in the RFP in section 2.02 and 2.06. |
| Apr 24, 2023 3:01 PM | How will pricing be evaluated? Here is an example from another RFP: Assume the following cost proposals (examples only) A. $50,000.00 B. $38,000.00 C. $49,000.00 Company B with a total price of $38,000.00 is the low offer. Take the low offer and divide each of the other offers into the low offer to calculate a percentage. This percentage is then multiplied by the number of points available for the cost. In this case, 10 points are allocated to cost. A. $38,000.00 divided by $50,000.00 =.76 .76*10 7.6 points B. $38,000.00 divided by $38,000.00 =1.00 1.00*10 10 points C. $38,000.00 divided by $49,000.00= .77 .77*10 7.7 points | Yes, this is the same process we will apply. |
| Apr 24, 2023 3:01 PM | Would the State accept a Bank Letter of Financial Capacity in lieu of financial statements for a privately held company? If not, do financial statements remain confidential or will they become public record? | Please see section 1.28 of the RFP. The documents would be held in confidence if section 1.28 of the RFP is followed. |
| Apr 28, 2023 7:23 AM | RFP Section 2.04 – States that unit cost per test should include testimony fees. Would it be possible to bill separately for testimony fees? | Yes |
| Apr 28, 2023 7:24 AM | Contract – Please confirm that contract amount is $325,000 per year (not for the full initial contract period of July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2026). | The contract amount is for up to $325,000.00 per year. |
| Apr 28, 2023 7:24 AM | Contract Article IX – States that annual price increases are limited to 1%. Can these annual increases be negotiated? | No |
| Apr 28, 2023 7:24 AM | Contract Article IX – States that “Contractor shall receive written approval from the Agency prior to spending the final 3% of all funds awarded”. Is this approval initiated by the Agency or does Contractor have to request it? | The contractor will request approval for the last 3% of the contracted funds. |
| Apr 28, 2023 7:24 AM | RFP Document A. Page 11, section 1.20, Criminal Background checks – Will the background checks that are performed for all new staff will be acceptable to fulfill this requirement? | No, per section 1.20, the Agency reserves the right to obtain and consider information from other sources concerning an applicant, including the applicant’s product or services, personnel, and subcontractors, and the applicant’s capability and performance under other Agency contracts, other state contracts and contracts with private entities. |
| Apr 28, 2023 7:25 AM | Draft Scoring Tool – States, “Are audited financial statements included with the application, if the Applicant indicated they are not already on file with Iowa HHS? (Refer to the Audited Financial Statement Section of the Business Organization form)”. We do not see a section requiring audited financial statements in the Business Organization form (neither in Iowa Grants, nor in the RFP document). Please confirm whether or not these are required with responses and, if they are, please confirm if just the most recent audited statements will be acceptable. | If the Agency does not have a copy of the applicant’s most current copy of the audited financial statements, the applicant must submit a copy to Iowa HHS, attn: Tim Houlette, 321 East 12th Street, Des Moines, IA 50319. |
| May 8, 2023 3:47 PM | Definitions: Case - one or more specimens for the same decedent/testing subject Specimen - a container of testable matrix Order - a forensic toxicology product that can be applied at a specimen. The product could be as narrow as a single analyte or as broad as every analyte. An order code is used to specify the specific product desired. The order determines what is billed to the client. Test – a scientific process to screen or confirm an analyte with or without quantitation Panel - a specific order that includes testing for multiple drug classes, with or without screening Screen - a broad test to detect potential analytes for confirmation Confirmation - a very specific test to definitively confirm the presence of one or more analytes above a detection level, with or without quantitation Qualitatively – a determination of the presence or absence of an analyte Quantitation – the determination of a concentration of a confirmed analyte Bundled - the practice of charging a single fee per case that includes corroborative testing across multiple specimens Based on the above definitions: Will all cases request the same toxicology testing scope based on the case type? | No |
| May 8, 2023 3:48 PM | Definitions: Case - one or more specimens for the same decedent/testing subject Specimen - a container of testable matrix Order - a forensic toxicology product that can be applied at a specimen. The product could be as narrow as a single analyte or as broad as every analyte. An order code is used to specify the specific product desired. The order determines what is billed to the client. Test – a scientific process to screen or confirm an analyte with or without quantitation Panel - a specific order that includes testing for multiple drug classes, with or without screening Screen - a broad test to detect potential analytes for confirmation Confirmation - a very specific test to definitively confirm the presence of one or more analytes above a detection level, with or without quantitation Qualitatively – a determination of the presence or absence of an analyte Quantitation – the determination of a concentration of a confirmed analyte Bundled - the practice of charging a single fee per case that includes corroborative testing across multiple specimens Based on the above definitions: What specimens do you submit in a typical case? | Femoral Blood, Cardiac Blood, Vitreous and Urine |
| May 8, 2023 3:48 PM | Definitions: Case - one or more specimens for the same decedent/testing subject Specimen - a container of testable matrix Order - a forensic toxicology product that can be applied at a specimen. The product could be as narrow as a single analyte or as broad as every analyte. An order code is used to specify the specific product desired. The order determines what is billed to the client. Test – a scientific process to screen or confirm an analyte with or without quantitation Panel - a specific order that includes testing for multiple drug classes, with or without screening Screen - a broad test to detect potential analytes for confirmation Confirmation - a very specific test to definitively confirm the presence of one or more analytes above a detection level, with or without quantitation Qualitatively – a determination of the presence or absence of an analyte Quantitation – the determination of a concentration of a confirmed analyte Bundled - the practice of charging a single fee per case that includes corroborative testing across multiple specimens Based on the above definitions: What specimens do you typically test? | Femoral Blood, Cardiac Blood, Vitreous and Urine |
| May 8, 2023 3:48 PM | Definitions: Case - one or more specimens for the same decedent/testing subject Specimen - a container of testable matrix Order - a forensic toxicology product that can be applied at a specimen. The product could be as narrow as a single analyte or as broad as every analyte. An order code is used to specify the specific product desired. The order determines what is billed to the client. Test – a scientific process to screen or confirm an analyte with or without quantitation Panel - a specific order that includes testing for multiple drug classes, with or without screening Screen - a broad test to detect potential analytes for confirmation Confirmation - a very specific test to definitively confirm the presence of one or more analytes above a detection level, with or without quantitation Qualitatively – a determination of the presence or absence of an analyte Quantitation – the determination of a concentration of a confirmed analyte Bundled - the practice of charging a single fee per case that includes corroborative testing across multiple specimens Based on the above definitions: How frequently do you test multiple specimens per case? | Between 80-90% of all cases depending on case type, quantity of each specimen and quality of specimen. |
| May 8, 2023 3:49 PM | Definitions: Case - one or more specimens for the same decedent/testing subject Specimen - a container of testable matrix Order - a forensic toxicology product that can be applied at a specimen. The product could be as narrow as a single analyte or as broad as every analyte. An order code is used to specify the specific product desired. The order determines what is billed to the client. Test – a scientific process to screen or confirm an analyte with or without quantitation Panel - a specific order that includes testing for multiple drug classes, with or without screening Screen - a broad test to detect potential analytes for confirmation Confirmation - a very specific test to definitively confirm the presence of one or more analytes above a detection level, with or without quantitation Qualitatively – a determination of the presence or absence of an analyte Quantitation – the determination of a concentration of a confirmed analyte Bundled - the practice of charging a single fee per case that includes corroborative testing across multiple specimens Based on the above definitions: Some laboratories charge a fee for each specimen tested for a given order. Others charge a bundled price that covers testing of multiple specimens based on the entire case (for example, blood, urine, and vitreous). How is the County currently charged for testing on additional specimens for the same case? | It is on a case by case basis. |
| May 8, 2023 3:49 PM | Definitions: Case - one or more specimens for the same decedent/testing subject Specimen - a container of testable matrix Order - a forensic toxicology product that can be applied at a specimen. The product could be as narrow as a single analyte or as broad as every analyte. An order code is used to specify the specific product desired. The order determines what is billed to the client. Test – a scientific process to screen or confirm an analyte with or without quantitation Panel - a specific order that includes testing for multiple drug classes, with or without screening Screen - a broad test to detect potential analytes for confirmation Confirmation - a very specific test to definitively confirm the presence of one or more analytes above a detection level, with or without quantitation Qualitatively – a determination of the presence or absence of an analyte Quantitation – the determination of a concentration of a confirmed analyte Bundled - the practice of charging a single fee per case that includes corroborative testing across multiple specimens Based on the above definitions: How are you currently being charged if you submit a blood and urine/vitreous sample on the same case? | There is no added cost for urine screen or vitreous alcohol |
| May 8, 2023 3:49 PM | Definitions: Case - one or more specimens for the same decedent/testing subject Specimen - a container of testable matrix Order - a forensic toxicology product that can be applied at a specimen. The product could be as narrow as a single analyte or as broad as every analyte. An order code is used to specify the specific product desired. The order determines what is billed to the client. Test – a scientific process to screen or confirm an analyte with or without quantitation Panel - a specific order that includes testing for multiple drug classes, with or without screening Screen - a broad test to detect potential analytes for confirmation Confirmation - a very specific test to definitively confirm the presence of one or more analytes above a detection level, with or without quantitation Qualitatively – a determination of the presence or absence of an analyte Quantitation – the determination of a concentration of a confirmed analyte Bundled - the practice of charging a single fee per case that includes corroborative testing across multiple specimens Based on the above definitions: Are you being charged separately for each specimen or is the urine/vitreous free/included when blood is tested? | There is no added cost for urine screen or vitreous alcohol |
| May 8, 2023 3:49 PM | Definitions: Case - one or more specimens for the same decedent/testing subject Specimen - a container of testable matrix Order - a forensic toxicology product that can be applied at a specimen. The product could be as narrow as a single analyte or as broad as every analyte. An order code is used to specify the specific product desired. The order determines what is billed to the client. Test – a scientific process to screen or confirm an analyte with or without quantitation Panel - a specific order that includes testing for multiple drug classes, with or without screening Screen - a broad test to detect potential analytes for confirmation Confirmation - a very specific test to definitively confirm the presence of one or more analytes above a detection level, with or without quantitation Qualitatively – a determination of the presence or absence of an analyte Quantitation – the determination of a concentration of a confirmed analyte Bundled - the practice of charging a single fee per case that includes corroborative testing across multiple specimens Based on the above definitions: Is it the State’s preference to be charged individually per specimen or to have a single flat price per case, regardless of the number of specimens tested? | No, the State prefers a charge Per Case based on the drug panel or individual drugs regardless of the number of specimens tested. |
| May 8, 2023 3:50 PM | Definitions: Case - one or more specimens for the same decedent/testing subject Specimen - a container of testable matrix Order - a forensic toxicology product that can be applied at a specimen. The product could be as narrow as a single analyte or as broad as every analyte. An order code is used to specify the specific product desired. The order determines what is billed to the client. Test – a scientific process to screen or confirm an analyte with or without quantitation Panel - a specific order that includes testing for multiple drug classes, with or without screening Screen - a broad test to detect potential analytes for confirmation Confirmation - a very specific test to definitively confirm the presence of one or more analytes above a detection level, with or without quantitation Qualitatively – a determination of the presence or absence of an analyte Quantitation – the determination of a concentration of a confirmed analyte Bundled - the practice of charging a single fee per case that includes corroborative testing across multiple specimens Based on the above definitions: How often does the State require testing for other samples such as capsules, powders, and fluids? | On average less than 10 times per year. |
| May 8, 2023 3:50 PM | Definitions: Case - one or more specimens for the same decedent/testing subject Specimen - a container of testable matrix Order - a forensic toxicology product that can be applied at a specimen. The product could be as narrow as a single analyte or as broad as every analyte. An order code is used to specify the specific product desired. The order determines what is billed to the client. Test – a scientific process to screen or confirm an analyte with or without quantitation Panel - a specific order that includes testing for multiple drug classes, with or without screening Screen - a broad test to detect potential analytes for confirmation Confirmation - a very specific test to definitively confirm the presence of one or more analytes above a detection level, with or without quantitation Qualitatively – a determination of the presence or absence of an analyte Quantitation – the determination of a concentration of a confirmed analyte Bundled - the practice of charging a single fee per case that includes corroborative testing across multiple specimens Based on the above definitions: Where in the proposal would it be most effective for evaluation purposes to indicate that additional testing may be available outside the standard test catalog? | In section 3.02 Application Forms in the Toxicology Testing Project Work Plan Form |
| May 8, 2023 3:52 PM | In the first round of questions, you provided a list of current tests ordered with the statement that the quantity willl vary. May we please have the quantity of each ordered in the last calendar year? | Please see the following breakdown Postmortem Toxicology - Basic, Blood - 8051B - 925 Postmortem Toxicology- Expanded, Blood - 8052B - 626 Postmortem Toxicology- Urine Screen Add-on (6-mam Quantification) – 8050U - 943 Alcohol Panel – Vitreous Fluids - 0170FL - 837 Vitreous electrolytes and glucose panel - 1919FL - 454 Postmortem Toxicology - Basic, Tissue - 8051TI - 37 Postmortem Toxicology- Expanded, Tissue - 8052TI - 30 Carbon Monoxide –Blood - 1002B - 4 Postmortem, Synthetic Cannabinoids (Add-On), Blood - 9566B - 0 Novel Psychoactive Substances (NPS) Screen 1, Blood - 8756B – 2 |
| May 8, 2023 3:54 PM | In the first round of questions, you indicated that you would be ranking the costs proposals on a weighted basis. How will you calculate the total proposal and ensure that you are comparing apples to apples without a price sheet with quantities? | See Amendment 1 |
| May 8, 2023 3:55 PM | In the first round of questions, you indicated that you would be ranking the costs proposals on a weighted basis. Are we expected to just total the price of one of each test? (That doesn't seem to provide a clear picture of the overall cost of the contract.) | See Amendment 1 |
| May 9, 2023 8:01 AM | Not all private companies are required to have audited financial statements. Would Compiled Financial Statements in accordance with Statements on Standards for Accounting and Review Services promulgated by the Accounting and Review Services Committee of the AICPA prepared by our CPA firm be acceptable? | Yes |